THE INDEPENDENT WARGAMES GROUP.
Being a Journal of views, prejudices,ideas and photographs of wargaming not just nationwide, but hopefully world wide.The name IWG was adopted in the early 1980's in response to the then dominant Wargames Research Group, but things have moved on,and wargaming appears to be in somewhat of a Golden Age, so sit back and hopefully enjoy my rantings.

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Monday, 30 October 2017

Fiasco 2017.

Well yesterday was the Leeds Wargames Club show. Commonly known as Fiasco. The show has been based at the ex Jimmy Saville Conference suite for the last few years. [I cant help myself, I still find it bizarre. Sorry.] Previously to that it had been based across the way at the Royal Armouries.
So firstly the positives. Well its a wargames show of that there is no doubt. Secondly its based in the North of England which is great for me. Thirdly its usually on the Sunday after the clocks go back, so one gets a lie in.Fourthly there is quite a bit of wargames trade that I like to buy from.
The Leeds show has maintained its position as a medium sized wargames show run by some friendly Yorkshire chaps who do their level best to make it a success. So whats not to like.
Now for a few negatives. The actual hall has dreadful lighting caused by having a black ceiling? I suppose its great for cabaret nights and the like, but for wargamers, it leaves a lot to be desired.
I think I can understand why the Leeds lads hold the show there. as its only across the road from the Armouries, which is a wonderful history museum that everyone whose interested should attend. But the lighting is not good.
Secondly its £5.00 to get in, which is a lot for what isn't that big a show.
Thirdly the refreshment area is tiny, and yesterday they ran out of Bacon sandwiches at about 11.00! That was a shock I can tell you.
But these are minor quibbles for me really, but areas that maybe can be improved upon.
The biggest whine for me, was the paucity of historical games. Luckily James Roach of Olicana fame had set up his Zorndorf 1759 display which is a wonderful thing to behold.
James is annoyingly not just a great painter, he is also damned quick at creating top quality units. I had a talk to him yesterday in the hope of pinching a few of his secrets. The main one is, he uses enamels! He reckons the coverage is far better than acrylic paint, and if one is lucky enough to see his work one cant argue with the use of oil based paints.

I can only apologise for the lack of images of the battle. I took a lot, but most came out badly. I blame the light.

There was a really nice Napoleonic battle in the foyer of the hall, staged by Chris Flowers and the Legendary Wargames group. I think the battle, using lots of 28mm figures was from the 1812 campaign. They were using Grand Manner rules, so one knows how big the units were. The rules are like Marmite for me I'm afraid. But the spectacle was great.

Another very nice historical game was hosted by Battlefield Design who were showing off their quality terrain boards at the same time. They make very sturdy boards. Again I'm sorry about the crap images.

Kallistra were hosting an historical game showing off their hex terrain, which always looks very good. The other 16 or so games were small skirmish type affairs which although very popular with the punters are just not my thing. I know its very dismissive and no doubt some of them were very well presented, but they are a different type of wargaming than I am interested in. Still they hold the interest of younger gamers, so crack on.

I met a few old faces and chatted about odds and sods. One thing I did learn was that the Perry twins are going into the pre painted business, not only for figures but also for buildings. Dave Thomas very kindly showed me a few prospective images and I was impressed by the buildings, which were mainly ACW ones.I couldnt really comment on the figures because of, you guessed it, the light.No doubt they will be figures painted to a decent standard, but not by the twins I hasten to add.

So how was the show. Well I'm pleased to attend any wargames event and it felt good to be there, but I was disappointed by the lack of historical games. I think this disappointment will grow even more in the near future as more skirmish games come to the fore. Still, I know that Battleground in November will have a lot of historical games. Well certainly one. That's mine.

14 comments:

Thanks for that Robbie, interesting report, years since I went to the show. Agree with you comment on skirmish games, not really my thing but I have given Sharp Practice 2 a go and found it fun lets say I potter with it now and again!Dave.

Thats the thing for me Dave, these games are just a transitory thing. Play them and then put them away. The issue for me is will there potterers [is there such a word] will just move on to some other hobby.

Sounds like it was a bit of a mixed show Robbie. I’ve seen Jim Roach’s game before at a Triples a few years back and it’s was pretty impressive then. There will definitely be some large and visually appealing games at Battleground, well four at least including yours, the two from Durham and my effort. See you there if not before and hope you are recovered from whatever befell you at the dentist! Colin

Hi RobbieI don't like marmite but I do like ITGM rules and Chris Flowers has an excellent collection of Napoleonics. He was at Partizan as well putting on Cold War demo game so he getscaround.I used to go to Fiasco way back when to put on Napoleonic games with Chis and other members of the SODS but became disenchanted with the show and stopped going.

Tony, I have played GM rules a few times at the Wargames Centre and to be honest I didnt have a clue what was going on.It got to the stage that the umpires gave me 'special' tuition. I think they felt sorry for me. You should get you bony backside up to Middlesbrough at the end of this month, there will be some good games on show.

Well with the weather finally relenting a little I braved myself to start my seasons painting. I should add that I paint in my garage cum wa...

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A Nostalgic Whim

SYW Rules.

Independent Wargames Group

Deep in Thought

Independent Wargames Group

Aim;There should always be an aim I believe even if it concerns wargaming. My aim is really to hopefully inspire people to take up a rewarding hobby ie, Wargaming.Being of a mature age I sometimes think hobbies have become redundant in the 21st century,and with the way history is taught in schools in the UK I worry that young people have little idea of the drama,colour and adventure that is history.I was lucky to be inspired as a young boy by a history teacher who loved his subject and was able to convey his enthusiasm to his pupils, from this base I discovered wargaming in the late 1960's.I have been wargaming now for over forty years,and I can honestly state my life would have been pretty dismal without this hobby which at times took over my life and certainly threatened my financial future.